Georgia Boy
Adjacent to chef Joey Ward’s sister concept, Southern Belle, is Georgia Boy. The 12-to-16-seat tasting menu-only concept will have a twice-a-year rotating menu. To access Georgia Boy, enter through a bookcase in Southern Belle’s eclectic, urban space and let Ward take you on a culinary ride. 1043 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, 404.698.3961, southernbelleatl.com/georgiaboy
Grana
For those on the Decatur side of town familiar with White Bull, chef Pat Pascarella’s successful Italian outpost, get ready for Grana. The restaurant arrived in Piedmont Heights this winter and has all aspects of beloved Italian cuisine covered, from pizza to wood-fired entrees to fresh pasta. Six types of meatballs dot the menu—meatball flights are available for the chronically indecisive. To complement, many types of mozzarellas are on offer, as well as traditional-size servings of pastas, for which Pascarella has become known at White Bull. Rounding out the menu is a robust selection of proteins. Cooking classes; festivals; and two wood-burning ovens, named after Pascarella and business partner Brian Ferris’ daughters, Sophia and Monte, respectively—Grana has it all for those seeking a modern Italian dining experience. 1835 Piedmont Ave., granaatl.com
Rock Steady
Described as Caribbean cuisine with West African influences, this new West Midtown restaurant is from Joe Russo. Think items like black pepper pappardelle with slow-braised oxtail, Kreyol seafood curry and jerk lollipops. There’s also an in-house DJ, Fathom DJ, who curates a danceworthy playlist. Joining Russo is co-founder Jacob Thomas, whose Haitian roots helped add to the unique atmosphere done by a Palm Springs-based design firm. 907 Marietta St., 470.788.8120, rocksteadyatl.com
Ocean & Acre
Brought to you by the Southern Proper Hospitality team behind such favorites as The Southern Gentleman and Gypsy Kitchen comes Ocean & Acre. The seafood and smoked meats menu and bright interiors will have you transported from Halcyon (the latest mixed use development, this time in Forsyth County) to the beach in no time. Look for inventive dishes like clams and ramen, or bone marrow and snails, among more traditional coastal fare like Crab Louie and traditional seafood towers. 6290 Halcyon Way, Ste. 620, 678.823.8887, oceanandacre.com
Forza Storico
Storico Fresco’s sister restaurant, Forza Storico, is one of several that bowed at Westside Provisions District this fall. The Roman Italian restaurant, located under fellow newcomer Redbird in the old Little Bacch space, doesn’t have a market like its Buckhead location, but what it lacks in grab-and-go, it makes up for in an excellent bar scene (and outstanding pastas, of course). It becomes a bar scene as the night goes on—15 cocktails and 30 Italian beers help bring the party. Be sure not to skimp on dessert—the tiramisu is divine. 404.464.8096, forzastorico.com
